Question:

Unit of sound absorption is

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In acoustics, remember that Sabins are used to quantify how much sound a material absorbs, which is crucial for designing spaces with good sound quality.
Updated On: Jul 6, 2026
  • Sone
  • Decibel
  • Hertz
  • Sabin
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The Correct Option is D

Approach Solution - 1

Step 1: Understanding sound absorption.
The unit of sound absorption is the Sabin, which measures the effectiveness of a material in absorbing sound. It is used to quantify how much sound energy a surface absorbs, and it is especially important in acoustics.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Sone: The sone is a unit of perceived loudness, not sound absorption.
(B) Decibel: Decibels measure sound intensity, but they do not specifically quantify sound absorption.
(C) Hertz: Hertz measures frequency, not sound absorption.
(D) Sabin: Correct — Sabin is the correct unit used to measure sound absorption.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D) Sabin, as it is the unit of sound absorption.
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Approach Solution -2

Each of these four units belongs to a different branch of acoustics, so matching "unit" to "quantity measured" identifies the answer directly.

  1. Sone: Measures perceived loudness, a subjective psychoacoustic quantity based on how loud a sound feels to the human ear, not how much sound a surface absorbs.
  2. Decibel: Measures sound intensity or pressure level on a logarithmic scale, describing how loud a sound is at its source or at a point in space, not a material's absorption.
  3. Hertz: Measures frequency, the number of sound wave cycles per second, an entirely different physical quantity from absorption.
  4. Sabin: Specifically defined as the sound absorption equivalent of one square foot (or square meter, in the metric sabin) of a perfectly absorptive surface, making it the dedicated unit for absorption.

Since sone measures loudness, decibel measures intensity, and hertz measures frequency, only Sabin is defined around absorption itself.

Therefore, the correct answer is Sabin.

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